TACO Officers & Directors
Regional Directors
REGION 1, DIRECTOR
Venky Venkatesan
Midland RV Campground
Midland, TX
REGION 2
Ken Hinz
Traders Village Grand Prairie, TX
REGION 3, PRESIDENT
Randall Dally
Rayburn RV Hideout
Brookeland, TX
REGION 4, SECRETARY
Susie Prater
The Vineyards of Fredericksburg RV Park Fredericksburg, TX
REGION 5, PAST PRESIDENT
Cheryl McLaughlin
Hatch RV Park
Corpus Christi, TX
REGION 6, DIRECTOR
Charlie Bates
Parkview Riverside RV Park
Concan, TX
Directors At Large
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Austin Faught
Bolivar Peninsula RV Park
Crystal Beach, TX
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Terry Munoz
Lost River RV Park
Baytown, TX
TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
Diana LeBlanc-Link PPL
Houston, TX
Happy New Year! A Look Ahead Through the Rearview Mirror
Written By: Brian Schaeffer, TACO Executive Director/CEO
By the time we got to the end of last year, there was lots of uncertainty in most markets around the country. Sometimes the concerns were real. Higher interest rates, higher fuel costs, and higher inflation overall did affect several of the campgrounds and businesses we have relationships with. Many of our parks here in Texas also experienced a downturn in their numbers. This requires a bit of reflection before we examine the new day(s) before us.
LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANT
Ron Hinkle
Austin, TX
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / CEO
Brian & Debra Schaeffer
TACO Office
Crowley, TX
As for RV parks having softer occupancy numbers in 2023 and/or 2024, this was really a result of a handful of unusual factors. First was the sugar-high of COVID and the fact that our industry was one of the few that benefitted greatly from COVID. It seemed like everybody was buying rigs and going camping. As COVID slipped farther into the rearview mirror it became evident that camping wasn’t for everyone. So, parks returned to pre-pandemic numbers, which were very good, just not off the chart like COVID times and the super-charged budgets we got used to.
The other thing affecting parks was the transition of some RV sites away from daily/
weekly use and more toward monthly use. This normally lowers revenue. This was driven by some economic factors like housing becoming very expensive and more parks were meeting those needs. Also, the proliferation of multiproperty owners often meant a shift in nightly allocations. Some of the corporate players come from the mobile home community world and managing RV parks is very different than managing MH properties. RV park management is more complex and expensive.
Another reality in Texas is the fact that a plethora of new sites have come online in the last five years and there are still more to come. The Texas economy is on fire and the housing market isn’t keeping up and some RV parks are absorbing these effects. Unfortunately, some parks are also having a tough time reinvesting in their parks to keep pace with the ‘new’ kids. This requires a keen and innovative combination of marketing and administration.
What does 2025 look like through the front windshield? As RV park guests see fuel prices come down and inflation ease, there will be more discretionary money in their budgets. They will
Lisa Rhodes
travel more. This will contrast with the reduced number of camper nights from last year, which was also a presidential election year. Let’s face it, this last election cycle was about as weird as being in the front row at an Al Yankovic show! Consequently, camper nights will now increase and the better parks, that tend to be our TACO members, are making changes in how they do business in terms of amenities, staffing and marketing – certainly for the better.
Some parks have had it tougher than others. But as you have seen and will continue to see, the smart ones do not abandon their marketing – no business ever saved their way to prosperity. The good ones know you must protect your existing business, such as all those folks who are repeat customers – that number is often over 90% of the total revenue. You cannot take these folks for granted and need to do some relationship marketing to them while reaching out for that allusive new business. You can grow your business without blowing the budget. TACO’s marketing consultants and many vendors can help with all of this.
There are various industry studies/surveys showing that folks are still camping and glamping. In fact, the glamping numbers are up nicely. If you follow just about any financial talking head worth their salt, they believe that 2025 is going to be very different from 2024, in a positive manner. No one is saying it will be complete nirvana, but the right track/wrong track surveys are heavily weighted to the right track. How do we take advantage of this?
We must understand what we are providing. We are not selling RV sites, cabins or hook-ups. I feel like I should say that again, we are not selling RV sites cabins or hook-ups. We provide hospitality and quality experiences. Even if you are a monthly park, your guests need to feel special beyond dropping off a monthly site fee. I used to not be a fan of that term ‘value proposition’ then I looked at the actual definition – an innovation, service, or feature intended to make a company or product attractive to customers – that’s US. What is that valuable experience? I’m going to give you the Reader Digest simplest answers.
First, our guests are looking for parks with a certain level of amenities. This varies depending on your core customers, but they have a vision of what they want, and we need to strive to meet those expectations. Your guests’ experiences begin with your online presence or some form of marketing and continue through the booking process, the check-in procedures and then the duration of their stay and some level of follow-up after departure. We can’t afford to be lacking in any of these areas because we not only complete with other parks but also other forms of lodging and recreation.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could get campers to stay longer and return more? This starts at the point of arrival and check-in. We have surveys indicating campers want a printed product in their hands that provides the basic facts about the park, typically a map, and the rules of a pleasant stay. The survey further indicates that connecting guests to local merchants and services also extends stays and results in more be-backs. Whether guests are visiting short term or long term they want to know more about the communities they are passing through.
If you aren’t surveying EVERY guest upon their departure, you are missing one of the cheapest marketing tools and the best forms of feedback you can get. Many reservation companies do this, and TACO has a discount on services like Constant Contact to help.
Changing gears for a minute, last year was a non-legislative year but the boys and girls will be stirring the Austin pot this
year. We have worked hard to bring legislative issues back up for codification to include reasonable standards to build and expand parks, before cities and counties run RV parks out of business. We are hot on the property tax issue and getting rid of ‘the income method’ while establishing commercial property tax caps. A later school start date is back on the docket and some communities want to start taxing your RV sites, which we will fight.
Finally, TACO has entered an alliance with Hospitality Connections which has opened a whole new world of park benefits from music license discounts to the Constant Contact discount and many points in between. We have new preferred provider agreements with key vendors in significant industry segments, including Suburban Propane, which can be a whole new revenue stream for some parks.You can discover these programs by visiting TACOmembers.com and plan to attend the TACO Spring Meeting & Trade Show April 29-30 in Conroe, TX to learn even more. Show info is also on the website referenced.
To recap, we rode the COVID crest, survived the post-COVID let down and now we see a return to glory that we are poised to take advantage of. We can nurture our existing relationships with guests and other businesses in the community that help our bottom line. Then we can make new inroads with campers and merchants/services. Our communities are growing. Our parks are growing. Are you growing?
There will be more people moving around this great country in 2025. Some will visit our parks for a few days, while others will be there for weeks or even months. We should help them all to have a better life experience, and we will. We are getting excited about the New Year – we hope you are!
Conroe,
• April 29 - 30, 2025
›› Priceless Education & Information – eight classes led by industry experts.
›› Admission to TACO Awards Recognition.
›› Exciting & Fun TACO Raffle throughout the show!
›› Cowboy Casino Fun Night - Fundraiser for Legislative Initiatives.
›› Silent Auction – Fundraiser for Legislative Initiatives.
›› Largest Trade Show and Park Model/Glamping Exhibit in the Southwest.
›› Legislative Updates that will affect your business.
›› Meals – Tue. Dinner, Wed. Breakfast & Lunch.
Understanding Hard and Soft Insurance Market Cycles
The commercial insurance market is cyclical in nature, fluctuating between hard and soft markets. These cycles affect coverage availability, terms, and pricing for businesses. Here’s what to expect in both a hard and soft insurance market.
A soft market, sometimes called a buyer’s market, is characterized by stable or lowering premiums, broader terms of coverage, increased capacity, higher available limits of liability, easier access to excess layers of coverage, and greater competition among insurance companies for new business.
A hard market, sometimes called a seller’s market, is characterized by increased premium expenses for insureds, stricter underwriting criteria, reduced capacity, restricted terms of coverage, and less competition among insurance companies for new business. During a hard market, some policyholders may receive nonrenewal notices from their insurance company. In addition, hard market cycles may prompt insurers to stop writing business in high-risk locations or even exit certain unprofitable lines of insurance altogether.
Increased premium expenses
Stricter underwriting criteria
Reduced capacity
Less competition
Hard market Soft market
Top Contributors to Hard Markets
A wide range of factors can affect insurance pricing, but the following are some of the top contributors to hard markets:
Catastrophic (CAT) Losses
Floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters, also called CAT losses, have become increasingly common and devastating. Years of large-scale disasters like these can compound losses for insurance companies and drive up the cost of coverage overall, especially when it comes to commercial property policies.
Inconsistent Underwriting Profits
Underwriting profits refer to the difference between the
Stable or lowering premiums
Broader terms of coverage
Increased capacity
Greater competition
premiums an insurance company collects, and the money paid out in claims and expenses. When a company collects more in premiums than it pays out in claims and expenses, it will earn an underwriting profit. Conversely, a company that pays more in claims and expenses than it collects in premiums will sustain an underwriting loss. The company’s combined ratio after dividends is a measure of underwriting profitability. This ratio reflects the percentage of each premium dollar a company puts toward spending on claims and expenses. A combined ratio above 100 indicates an underwriting loss. If insurers repeatedly experience combined ratios above 100, they will likely increase insureds’ premiums to help combat their underwriting losses.
Insurance companies also generate income through investments. Companies operating in the commercial insurance sector typically invest in various stocks, bonds, mortgages, and real estate investments. Due to certain regulations, most companies invest significantly in bonds. These investments provide stability against underwriting results, which can vary from year to year. When interest rates are high and returns from other investments are solid, insurers can make up for underwriting losses through their investment income. However, when interest rates are low, companies must pay close attention to their underwriting standards and other investment returns.
Economic Concerns
The economy also affects an insurance company’s ability to write new business. Amid periods of economic downturn or uncertainty, some policyholders—although it’s not recommended—may purchase less coverage or forgo insurance completely to cut costs. Additionally, a business’s revenue and payroll, which factor into how its premiums are set, may decline. This creates an environment where there is less premium income for insurance companies, motivating them to increase their policyholders’ coverage expenses going forward.
Inflation Issues
Rising inflation can make it challenging for insurance companies to maintain coverage pricing and subsequently keep pace with more volatile loss trends. Unanticipated increases in loss expenses can result in higher incurred loss ratios for companies, particularly as inflation affects key cost-driving factors (e.g., medical care, litigation, and construction expenses).
Reinsurance Challenges
Reinsurance provides coverage for insurance companies, also known as primary insurers. With reinsurance, primary insurers can secure financial protection for risks they can’t or don’t wish to retain fully, thus offering a way to protect against extraordinary losses. As a result, reinsurance helps stabilize premiums for regular businesses by making it less risky for primary insurers to provide coverage. Nevertheless, reinsurers are exposed to many of the same events and trends affecting primary insurers and must make pricing adjustments of their own. For instance, compounded CAT losses could cause reinsurers to limit capacity and increase primary insurers’ premiums, ultimately creating a trickle-down effect for regular businesses.
Other Factors That Affect Coverage Costs
Here are other key factors that may influence a business’s coverage costs:
Type of Policy Being Purchased
The forms of insurance a business is seeking, as well as the details of such coverage (e.g., limits of liability and value of the insured property), will affect its insurance pricing.
Size of the Business
Generally, the more employees a business has and the larger its revenue is, the more it will pay for insurance.
Industry of Operation
Certain industries carry more risk than others. As a result, businesses operating in high-risk sectors are more likely to file insurance claims. A business involved in a risky industry will, on average, pay more in premiums.
Location of the Business
The location of a business will also influence its coverage expenses. For example, if a business operates in an area prone to certain natural disasters, insurance companies may determine that its facility is more at risk for property damage. This increased risk will translate to higher commercial property insurance premiums.
Claims History
A business’s claims history, often referred to as loss history, will also impact insurance pricing. If a business has an extensive claims history, then insurance companies will tend to consider the company more likely to file future claims. In turn, this means the business will be deemed risky to insure, subjecting it to higher premiums.
Risk Management Practices
A business that conducts a careful assessment of its unique exposures and establishes effective, welldocumented risk management practices can appear more attractive to insurance companies. Having a robust risk management program in place reduces the likelihood of costly claims occurring and minimizes the potential losses a business could experience from an unexpected event.
Overall, during a hard market, policyholders may face complex considerations regarding their coverage. Thankfully, businesses are not without recourse; those that proactively address their commercial exposures will be better prepared for a hardening market than those that don’t. Additionally, policyholders who educate themselves on the trends influencing their insurance pricing will better understand how to manage their associated costs. Contact your Leavitt Group insurance advisor for further coverage guidance and risk management solutions.
Leavitt Group—national strength, local trust. Leavitt Group is the 19th largest independent property and casualty insurance broker in the United States (August 7, 2024 Insurance Journal). We pride ourselves on our experience and ability to help our clients succeed. Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance is TACOs preferred provider for 2025.
Improvement only happens when you’re adventurous. And we get it, exploration is nerve-wracking—especially if you’re one of the first to try something new. But with us you can adventure boldly and without fear, knowing we’re here to safeguard you, your campground, and your reputation. WHAT’S YOUR ADVENTURE THIS
North Haven Campground, Bonners Ferry, ID
TACO Defeats Local Water Surcharge Imposed on RV Park
The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) succeeded in its efforts to persuade a remote Texas city to stop assessing RV parks a monthly water surcharge of $35 per site.
The city of Olney had been collecting the fee since 2022 to help fund improvements to the city’s 102-year-old water treatment plant, but Over Yonder RV Park objected to the fee and asked TACO to intervene.
TACO directed the association’s legal counsel to challenge the surcharge, and the Olney City Council agreed to drop the fee during its Sept. 9 meeting.
“The City Council voted to stop collecting the surcharge for those businesses with guests staying under 30 days,” said Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s executive director and CEO.
Christine Taylor, of Goldberg Segalla law firm in Albany, N.Y. represented TACO and Over Yonder RV Park and informed the city in a July 8 letter that the surcharge was illegal.
“We are writing to inform you that Texas law changed at the end of 2023, and campgrounds who receive non-submetered master metered utility services, like Over Yonder, are exempt from administrative charges on their water bill,” Taylor wrote, adding, “We are writing in hopes of resolving this matter in a way that is amicable to both parties.”
Taylor stated that “Over Yonder should be exempt from the administrative fee that has been continually added to their utility bill.”
Taylor proposed that the city of Olney “keep the money they have already collected via administrative charges on Over Yonder’s past utility bills, as long as they cease charging them for the same from here on out.”
TACO also submitted a letter from State Rep. Ryan Guillen, who sponsored legislation that requires RV parks and campgrounds to be charged for water utility services based on the actual amount of water used, as required by S.B. 1268 that was passed by the Texas Legislature during the 83rd Regular session. Rep. Guillen specifically stated: “The intent of the bill was to correct a disparity in the water and wastewater rates paid by RV parks relative to the rates charged to similar commercial entities within their communities.”
Marla Pollitt, owner of Over Yonder RV Park, said she was grateful for TACO’s efforts.
“Without the help of TACO, this city would not have stopped these charges,” Pollitt said, adding, “I am grateful to be a part of TACO and would have been out so much more money trying to fight these charges (on my own). Texas is so blessed to have someone who cares about getting the right things done at a legislative level.”
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Building Trust, Delivering Quality
• Design | Build
• Site Feasibility
• Permitting Process
• Turnkey Civil Construction
• Site Earthwork
• Site Utilities
• Public Infrastructure
• Roadway Improvements
• Drainage Detention Systems
• Concrete & Asphalt Repairs
• Site Retaining Walls
• Commercial Construction
• Amenities Building/Clubhouse
• Walking Trails/Seating Areas
• Dog Parks
• Playgrounds
• Site Fencing
• Landscaping Package
• Facility Entrance Signage
TACO VENDOR MEMBERS
ACCOUNTING/BOOKKEEPING
BOYKIN GROUP, LLC
Brittany Boykin
SAGE OUTDOOR ADVISORY
Shari Heilala
254-600-5560
We offer a wide range of bookkeeping, payroll, tax and other financial/business services.
www .boykingroupllc com
CAMPGROUND ACCOUNTING
Donna & Chad Bordeaux ....................
704-752-9845
Specialists in saving taxes & growing campgrounds. Get proactive advice, avoid surprises, and achieve more than you dreamed!
www campgroundaccounting com
CAMPGROUND REFUND
Jim Dixon
214-546-7886
Performing no-risk contingency fee, refund on utilities sales tax, and construction for RV campgrounds.
www .campgroundrefund com
CAMP BACKGROUND CHECKS/DATA SOURCE CORP
DeeAnn Myers
312-291-1921
Leveraging national database and research, in preparing businesses for investment, financing, acquisition, development and expansion.
www sageoutdooradvisory com
CAMPGROUND EQUIPMENT
COMMERCIAL RECREATION SPECIALISTS
Nicole Barreau ............................
877-896-8442
Create an unforgettable experience with aqua parks, floating cabanas, dock systems, splashpads, playgrounds, shelters and more!
www crs4rec com
FARMTASTIC FUN
Jennifer Pixton
877-577-3832
Your Trusted partner in camp safety, seamless screening solutions.
www campbackgroundchecks com
BANKING/FINANCE
BUSINESS FINANCE DEPOT/ HEALTH CLUB EXPERTS COM
Bruce Hurta ..............................
281-384-2595
Business Finance Depot offers SBA/USDA loans, retirement rollovers, park model financing, unsecured loans, and HELOC.
www businessfinancedepot com
THE BSC GROUP
Drew Sikula
info@thebscgroup com
CRR HOSPITALITY
Lindsay Slater 928-554-7710
Empowering success through trusted third-party management.
www crrhospitality com
EPIC RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, LLC
Jessica Holcomb .......................... 480-440-9558
Full-service property management & investment solutions, with special focus on RV Resort/Parks, Multifamily & MFH
www epicresourcemanagement com
FOCUSED ON MANAGEMENT
Pamela Wright
888-798-0596
We provide low ropes courses, spiderwebs, Jumbo Jumper and playground equipment.
www farmtastic com
GRASSHOPPER COMPANY
Connie Estep
620-345-8621
Grasshopper true zero-turn radius riding rotary mowers & quick-converter attachment system for year-roud implements.
www grasshoppermower com
GREAT AMERICAN DIRECT
Kendall Lecker ............................
757-229-0567
Your glamping experts at factory direct pricing! Mattresses, wipe downs, mattress protection, futon frames & mattresses.
www greatamericandirect com
KANGAROO JUMPER INC
312-224-8965
Commercial mortgage brokers financing RV parks thru local and national banks, credit unions, lifecos and private debt funds.
www .thebscgroup com
CABLE TV & SATELLITE SYSTEMS
RVPARKTV COM BY IT’S ALL ABOUT SATELLITES
Barry Conley
800-951-1979
TV systems, business-class internet, 100% coverage Wi-Fi networks, DIRECTV satellite programming, and streaming solutions.
www itsallaboutsatellites com
CAMPGROUND CONSULTING ATWELL, LLC
Lee Radley ............................... 248-447-2000
Full-service consulting, engineering, and construction services firm delivering a range of solutions to clients for real estate & development.
www atwell-group com
CAMPGROUND CONSULTING GROUP, LLC
Jayne Cohen
800-897-8836
National consulting group specializing in all aspects of RV park and campground development, investment and operations, land planning and design; feasibility studies, operational audits and more.
www .campgroundconsultinggroup .com
MATTHEWS CONSULTING GROUP
Wendy Matthews
903-372-7777
Site assessments, market analysis, market studies, park design, business plans,and feasability studies.
www matthewsbcg com
MCG HOSPITALITY
Amie Mersmann
979-703-4572
Provides strategic planning, design, feasibility studies, operational startup, marketing solutions, & resort management.
www .mcg-hospitality com
MOORE’S CAMPGROUND CONSULTING
Joe Moore
817-999-4108
Professional campground assessment, providing consulting services from a thought, all the way through opening.
www moorescampgroundconsulting com
NADI GROUP
Uchenna Nnadi
844-669-6234
Urban design, land-use planning and landscape architecture that adds resilience, value, and the human experience to your project.
www nadigroup com
OUTDOOR DESIGN GROUP, INC
Matt Corrion
337-426-0938
Streamline your RV Park/RV Resort/Campground operations and/or hire staff that are qualified and ready to work.
www focusedonmgmt com
HORIZON OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY
Scott Foos ................................ 303-529-9770
Empowering outdoor hospitality businesses with expert management, accounting, and professional services since 2004.
www horizonoutdoors com
IVEE GROUP
Scott Knepp
404-477-6189
Third party management specializing in bringing the best hospitality practices to the outdoor hospitality space.
www .ivee com
NEWPORT PACIFIC CAPITAL COMPANY INC
Karri Seeds ............................... 949-852-5575
We are a full-service, nationwide property management company with over 43 years of experience.
Courtney Childress
865-387-8706
We help make playgrounds even more fun, by delivering and installing the market’s leading jumper product to you.
www kangaroojumper com
KOOLER ICE, INC
Drew Mercer ..............................800-858-3025
Kooler Ice offers 4 ice vending machine sizes that auto-bag the ice and dispense purified water.
www koolerice com
MARINESYNC CORP
Austin Bleier
619-269-7000
We provide wireless metering, control, and automation solutions for marinas & RV Parks.
www marinesync com
MYTCOAT
Clay Eppler ...............................
855-637-9616
MyTCoat is a proud family owned and operated American manufacturer of site amenities.
www mytcoat com
POLY FURNITURE USA
Levi Good
641-732-7429
Outdoor poly furniture built to last 10 years, with warranty and all 316 stainless steel hardware.
www polyfurnitureusa com
STEELSTOR RELOCATABLE
Kristin Hesse .............................. 512-535-7666
SteelStor Units provide additional income-generating streams while providing much needed storage for RV guests.
www steelstorrelocatable com
THE JUMP PAD
Steve Hawaii
865-387-5667
The Jump Pad is a flat jumping product with individual baffles that allow side by side jumping.
thejumppad com
THE PLAYWELL GROUP
James Robertson .......................... 800-726-1816
The PlayWell Group has been providing commercial playground equipment and park products since 1987.
www playwellgroup com
CAMPGROUND MANAGEMENT
ADVANCED OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS
Jenna Lombardo
800- 579-9796
RV resort, RV park, campground management - 3rd party management consulting.
www advancedoutdoormgmt com
BLUE WATER DEVELOPMENT
Tony Nichols ............................. 443-856-4300
Blue Water delivers top management services where operations, revenue management, and marketing create solutions.
www newportpacific com
NORTHGATE RESORTS
Tessa McCrackin 616 -249-8444
Industry-leading management & consulting, providing expert service in operations, marketing, revenue, construction & more.
www .northgateresorts com
RV PARK MANAGEMENT, LLC
Austin Faught 855-515-1777
RV Park Management provides owners with professional management services and systems designed to maximize RV park investments.
www rvparkpm com
TEXAS BOUTIQUE REALTY LLC
Larry Frawley 713-899-7394
We manage RV parks, and we represent RV parks, both buyers and sellers in the real estate market.
www .texasboutiquerealty com
CONSTRUCTION
KEELEY CONSTRUCTION
Matthew Bradley 210-850-3299
We are here for all your exterior improvements - asphalt, concrete, dirt work. Customer service, quality, and safety never go out of style.
www keeleyconstruction com
PIPER WHITNEY CONSTRUCTION LLC
Kryshon Bratton ........................... 713 504-1260
Hardscaping, playgrounds, swimming pools, splashpads, landscaping & design.
www piperwhitney com
RELIABLE COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION INC
Erica Larson
817-467-0779
Commercial, industry, self storage, warehouse & retail office construction, tilt wall experts & turnkey general contractor. www realiblecommercial com
TEN POINT SERVICES
Barrett Keron ............................. 512-667-8133
More than just a commercial construction company - we are creators, innovators, and community builders With a passion for excellence and a commitment to quality, we specialize in bringing rv and glamping visions to life.
www tenpointservciestx com
CREDIT CARD SERVICES
CLEARVIEW MERCHANT CONSULTING
Noa Lager 210-769-5472
Elevate campground/RV profits with transparent payment processing, seamlessly integrated into your booking software for optimized efficiency.
www clearviewmc net
MCPS CREDIT CARDS
303-993-4811
RV Park and campground land use planning, design, financial analysis, marketing, start-up and operations consulting. Also landscape design, irrigation planning & design and signage design.
www .odgdesign .com
www bwdc com
BUZZWORTHY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Stephanie Culver 682-551-4498
With two decades of expertise, we guide you with the most efficient practices to forge partnerships and transform challenges into opportunities.
www buzzworthypm com
Deanne Bower 877-858-9010
We are one of the largest processors in the campground industry because we are where processing relationships are formed.
www mcpscreditcards com
VV TACO VENDOR MEMBERS
ELECTRICAL SERVICES/SUPPLIES
B & B ELECTRICAL
Matt Linnell
888-391-3802
We are your One Stop Source for everything electrical for your RV Park.
bbelec com
ELECTRICAL WORKS
Tristan Ciceri
MARSHALL & STERLING CAMPGROUND INSURANCE
PROGRAM
Irene Jones
352-460-0810
Electrical Works continues to set the standard for RV & Mobile Home Parks having completed over 7,800 RV & MH sire projects at over 50 different properties.
www electricalworksflorida com
INFINITY POWER PARTNERS, LLC
Nick Altman 713 559-0558
Electricity and natural gas procurement management solutions, risk management service and marketing insight through the development of client-specific strategies.
www infinitypowerpartners com
INTEGRITY ENERGY
Daniel Aultman ...........................
440-497-7492
One of the largest commercial energy brokers in the US serving over 30,000 commercial customers.
www integrityenergy com
PEAK ENERGY TECHNOLOGY LLC
Carol Weideman
888-613-7775
Recycle electricity and save 15-20 percent off of your electric bill with Peak Energy Savers. Save money and the environment.
www peakenergytech com
TEXEN POWER COMPANY
Tom Stubblefield ..........................
281-989-7440
Aggregator agent for electric power/commercial electricity, save you up to 35%.
www texenpower com
UTILITY SUPPLY GROUP
Heidi Doyle
800-800-2811
Utility Supply Group is the premier supplier of electrical products and components for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry.
www go-usg .com
VUTILITY
Aidan Thain
206-495-2055
Vutility is the leading provider of turnkey, instant-installation wireless submetering solutions.
www vutility com
WILD ENERGY INC
Emily Steinhauer
833-563-6300
Industry leader in utility sub-metering, we automatically capture and record energy usage by customer.
www wildenergyco com
FRANCHISE SERVICES
CAMP JELLYSTONE
Steve Stafford 248-579-8296
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts is the only franchise in the US solely focused on the family camping demographic. There are currently more than 75 Jellystone Park locations in the US & Canada.
www jellystonefranchise com
KOA - KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA, INC .
Larry Bronfield ............................ 800-548-7239
Franchise marketing providing onsite training & KOA U-Design support for technology and site upgrades to serve today’s public.
www ownkoa com
MISSION GOLF CARS
James Camp
800-782-2926
Campground, RV Resort and Glamping Insurance solutions, specialists and resources to help your business succeed.
www marshallsterling com
OUTDOOR INSURANCE SERVICES
Frank Hursh
832-497-5312
Insurance for RV Parks, campgrounds, resorts, cabins, RVs, and travel trailers.
www .outdoorinsuranceservices .com
ROWLEY INSURANCE
Evan Rowley
RV park insurance.
www rowleyinsurance com
LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT
AADVANTAGE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS
Jerry Lewis
512-454-6655
800-880-2138
Installing all new smart washers/dryers with app, credit card or debit card so that guests can start machines and get a text when it’s finished. We service everything and pay commission to you.
www aadvantagelaundry com
ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS DISTRIBUTION
Kristen Thigpen
Coin-operated laundry equipment supplier.
www distribution alliancelaundry com
BEST WASH INC
James West ...............................
800-888-0074
281-441-2465
Commercial laundry equipment, sales & service, designs and more.
www bestwashinc com
CARDINAL LAUNDRY LEASING
Robert Hinojosa 210-272-9222
Commercial laundry leasing, revenue sharing, sales, service and parts.
www cardinallaundryleasing com
COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY
John Francis .............................. 972-991-9274
Commercial Equipment Company has served the RV/ Campground industry since 1967, providing Speed Queen washers and dryers to community laundry rooms.
www ceclaundry com
MARKETING SERVICES
ANDERSON’S BROCHURE DIS SERVICE
Donald Bennett 585-615-7742
Professional and cost-effective distribution of brochures, directories, and camping guides at RV and other shows.
www .campwithandersons .com
CAMPGROUND VIEWS, INC .
Mark Koep ...............................
805-341-3828
The best marketing tool available for your destination. Allow guests to virtually tour your property and click to book.
www campgroundviews com
GOOD SAM
Siera Samaniego
805-667-4391
Travel guide, website, mobile app, and social media marketing.
www .goodsam com
INFLUENCE DIGITAL AGENCY LLC
Josh Richardson ...........................
509-554-3376
Helping campgrounds navigate the landscape of digital marketing to successfully accomplish their goals.
www influencedigitalagency com
GOLF CARS
210-545-7868
Here for all your golf car needs. With a total of 9 locations, we have a dedicated staff ready to assist you with sales, rentals, leasing, and service.
www missiongolfcars com
INSURANCE
ARK ASSURANCE GROUP
John Hinsley
RV park insurance services.
www arkassurance com
COVERRA INSURANCE SERVICES
MISCELLANEOUS
FLATSPOT DECKING SERVICES
Trenton Hensley
828-999-4032
Flatspot Decking Services provides a unique way to maximize revenue for each space without capital of outlay maintenance and a 100% tax write off for your business.
www flatspotdeckingservices com
ONLINE RESERVATION PROVIDER
BOOKOUTDOORS
Brian Nolan ............................... 818 523-4872
BookOutdoors connects leisure travelers with outdoor accommodations like yours in a seamless booking platform.
www bookoutdoors com
CAMPLIFE INC
Roguer Rosa
877 783-2367
Since 2006, our robust, customizable reservation system helps you save time, make money, and get back to doing what you love. Demo today!
www getcamplife com
CAMPSPOT
Michelle Hollenbeck .......................
616-226-5500
The Industry’s leading campground reservation and management software.
www software campsot com
FIREFLY RESERVATIONS
Aiden Smith
656-347-3359
Focusing on simplicity, Firefly Reservations was built by campground owners, for campground owners. Now combined with Astra and Reserve America.
www fireflyreservations com
NEWBOOK
Blake Burris
310-855-3773
Powerful campground management & booking system.
www newbook cloud
RESNEXUS
Rick Pond
385-218-2637
Management software for any business operating a reservation system for renting, leasing, or scheduling a campground.
www resnexus .com
ROVERPASS
Gabriel Gaaravit
737-252-5625
Manage, track, and optimize all your campground’s needs with RoverPass’ easy-to-use reservation management software.
www roverpass com
SKYWARE SYSTEMS
Jan Murza
877-759-9329
Cloud-based campground property management system includes an online booking engine and POS.
www skywarervsoftware .com
STAYLIST
Nic Gramstad
865-205-0210
Staylist is a cloud-based reservation platform that allows outdoor business to create and manage guests, units, and rates.
www pro staylist com
PARK MODELS/GLAMPING ACCOMMODATIONS
ARCHED CABINS LLC
Gillian Cruey .............................. 832-930-2724
DIY Steel Arched Cabin Kits for glamping or luxury cabins.
Built faster and last longer than conventional structures.
www archedcabinsllc com
AZURE PRINTED HOMES
PASSPORT AMERICA
Tonya Reed
800-681-6810
The Original and Worlds Largest 50% off discount camping card to save money on Campsites.
www .passportamerica .com
RV LIFE
Dawn Watanabe ...........................805-290-0656
903-509-2292
Crystal Erickson ........................... 608-269-2127
Our experienced agents guide you through your options, securing the most appropriate campground insurance for your business.
www coverrainsurance com
LEAVITT RECREATION & HOSPITALITY INS
Chris Hipple
800-525-2060
Specialized Insurance for RV Parks, Campgrounds, & Resorts.
#1 in the industry for over 40 years!
www leavitt com
RV LIFE, a campground website & digital network of 50+ RV websites/blogs & forums, with an annual audience 60M+ visitors & 2M+ Rvers.
www rvlifenetwork com
RVSHARE LLC
Steve Manes
888-482-0234
RVShare is the world’s first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace in the US.
www .rvshare com
TILLERXR
Lizzy Bustamante 210-237-1812
Revolutionizing outdoor hospitality with TillerXR; Build immersive virtual tours to showcase campgrounds and boost reservations.
www tillerxr com
Gene Eidelman
424-298-2674
Azure is transforming outdoor hospitality by 3D printing with recycled materials - park models & tiny homes.
www azureprintedhomes com
CHAMPION PARK MODELS AND CABINS
Todd Dalton .............................. 940-507-0926
Manufacturer of park models and RVs.
www championparkmodelscabins com
CLAYTON PARK MODELS
Michael Burleson
800-465-7923
Bring a little adventure to your resort. Our luxury Park Models are constructed by one of the most trusted names in home building.
www claytonparkmodels com
CONESTOGA WAGON CO
Jason Olson............................... 307-277-0525
Manufacturer of the Conestoga Wagon, Showerhouse and our New Cabin!
www conestogawagonco com
EVOLVE LODGING, LLC
Randy Hendrickson
605-202-2048
VV TACO VENDOR MEMBERS
Turnkey, site-built rental units, Park Models, full FF&E, construction and more.
www evolvelodging com
FDOMES WOJCIKOWSCY SP K
Joanna Reimann
Fdomes Glamping offers premium geodesic domes for remote retreats and enhancing campground experiences.
www .fdomes com
IRONTOWN MODULAR
Kam Valgardson
We are Real estate brokers that focus on buyer and seller representation of RV Communities.
www crdrealty com
NAI OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY BROKERS
Jessie Pine
801-798-9026
Generational company providing high quality park models and cabins in European, rustic and traditional styles.
www irontownmodular com
LELAND’S COMMERCIAL CABINS
Amanda Lancaster
Cabins, portable buildings, RV covers.
www .lelandscabins com
OUTSTANDING TENT
Robert Horsey
817-409-6513
703-615-6012
Outstanding luxury lodges bring high returns; European products guarantee quality; worldwide success defines our expertise.
www outstandingtent com
PARK COTTAGES
Kevin Kamin
817-821-9747
Park Model RV Manufacturer located in Fort Worth TX.
Numerous floor plans and ready to rent packages.
www .parkcottages .com
PLAINSCRAFT COVERED WAGONS
Dennis Steinman
785-748-4588
Handmade in the heart of Kansas, PlainsCraft creates full size luxury covered wagons for outdoor hospitality providers who seek to offer a one-of-a-kind overnight experience visitors will never forget.
www plainscraft net
PLATINUM COTTAGES
Penni Feil ................................
Park model manufacturer.
www platinumcottages com
POSTO PODS
Rochelle Schupbac
903-675-2525
806-316-5232
POSTO Pods are bolt-together glamping kits designed for quick and easy construction! Durable, high-quality, all metal kits!
www postohomes com
POOL & WATER STRUCTURES
KRAFTSMAN COMMERCIAL PLAYGROUNDS & WATER PARKS
Lauren Quinn ............................. 281-353-9599
Plan, design, and construct playgrounds, SplashParks, pool slides, shade, shelter, site amenities, and more throughout Texas!
www kraftsmanplay com
UNION AQUAPARKS
Sarah Stone
407-353-4286
Union Aqua Parks offers unmatched quality in on-the-water inflatable playgrounds that are unique and versatile
www .unionaquaparks .com
PRINTING & PUBLISHING
AGS GUEST GUIDES
Michael Moore
Guest guides, site maps and marketing
www agspub com
SUBURBAN PROPANE, LP
PROPANE
Ron Shaw
877-518-1989
1-800-PROPANE
For more than 95 years, Suburban Propane has fueled America’s propane needs with home & business delivery, installs & more.
www .SuburbanPropane .com
REAL ESTATE
BAEHRE REAL ESTATE LLC
Russell Baehre
RV parks, real estate.
www rvparksforsale com
520-271-2304
Real estate professionals assisting clients with the purchase and sale of RV parks, campgrounds, and glamping retreats nationwide.
www naiohb com
PARK BROKERAGE AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
John Sheedy
602-821-4666
Providing best pricing, customer service, and negotiating skills to buyers, sellers, and borrowers for RV parks
www parkbrokerage com
PARKS AND PLACES, INC
Mark Whitworth.
616-301-0765
We only sell campgrounds, and RV parks and we have previous owner/operators on staff.
www parksandplaces com
PARTNERS
Landan Dory
512-647-1548
Specializing in helping investors and buyers navigate the exciting world of RV parks.
www doryreis com
RV PARKS ONLINE STORE
Larry Frawley .............................
713-899-7394
Full service RV Park sales brokerage and property management company.
www rvparkonlinestore com
TEXAS COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES -
TEXAS CRES LLC
Doug Larson
RV park & real estate specialists.
www texascres com
YALE REALTY & CAPITAL ADVISORS
Dana Smith ...............................
713-824-3799
303 323-5649
Real Estate Brokerage - specializing in brokerage and financing nationwide for the RV & manufactured housing industry.
www yaleadvisors com
RV DEALER, REPAIR, & SERVICE
5 STAR TUNING
Chris Duncan
843-536-1244
Dyno proven gains of 42HP/75 to 6.8L, 75 HP, 70lb ft from a 7.3L
www 5startuning com
PPL MOTOR HOMES
Courtney Casares Hernandez ................
713-988-5555
RV consignment dealer, serving locations in Houston, Cleburne and New Braunfels.
www pplmotorhomes com STORE GOODS
AGCHIMP LLC
Linda Luker
770-334-9442
A leader in insect repellents and odor control products for use around the campground.
www agchimp com
MOSKINTO
Rodrigo Ricaud
469-466-8168
Boost camp experience & sales w/ Moskinto 14hr Picaridin
Repellents & Itch-Relief Patches. An itch-free camp is a happy camp!
www qrskinusa com
STORYTELLER PROMOTIONS LLC
Mike or Ruth Mallon ........................
713-705-440
Advertising specialties, branded apparel, gifts and awards.
www storytellerpromotions com
SUNLAND SPECIALITES
Brian Lerg
830-896-5050
COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURED HOUSING GROUP
Michael J. Nissley .......................... 561-479-1588
Real estate brokers focusing exclusively on manufactured housing and RV communities throughout the U.S. and Canada
– we list communities for sale and assist in acquisition.
www colliers com
CRD REALTY
Ryan Dooley 936-206-3184
www anuainternational com
IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES
Renee Menge
800-558-2945
Specialized in storage and handling equipment for bulk industrial materials and commercial waste for more than 42 years.
www .imperialind com
INFILTRATOR WATER TECHNOLOGIES
Steve Murdock
512-415-2446
Wastewater treatment solutions for residential and commercial systems with daily flows up to 300,000 gallons per day.
www infiltratorwater com
JMI OSSF DESIGN & CONSULTING
Jon Maass
512-297-2346
We provide OSSF/septic designs that are best for your land and usage, and we can assit with the permitting process.
www .jmionsitesystems .com
RIGERO
Rich Boam
855-755-0445
We get rid of muck on pond and lake bottoms and manage nutrients in the water column.
www rigero com
TEXAS WASTEWATER LLC
JD Stacks
972 322-9717
Texas Wastewater LLC provides solutions for all commercial septic needs.
www .texaswastewaterllc .com
WILLCO ENGINEERING, PLLC
Eric Williams
713-502-0650
Septic System Design Services and RV Park Development & Design Services.
www willcoengineering com
WEBSITE SERVICES/MOBILE APPS
APP MY COMMUNITY
Joe Duemig ...............................
636-459-5161
Put your resort directly in both app stores. We create an individual app for you to communicate and engage with your guests.
www appmycommunity com
BIG RIG MEDIA LLC
Jeff Beyer
866-524-4744
Big Rig Media is the leading digital marketing & website development firm servicing the outdoor hospitality industry.
www bigrigmedia com
TXAD WEB DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN
Michael Moore ............................
877-518-1989
Website design and hosting, ADA Compliance Services, Adwords and Online Marketing.
www txadweb com
WIRELESS INTERNET PROVIDER ACCESSPARKS BROADBAND
Tim Rout
858-353-0845
Seventeen years as end-to-end managed services provider (MSP), offering true Broadband Wi-Fi to RV parks nationwide www .accessparks .com
BLUE REEF NETWORKS
Jim Henderson ............................ 972-489-9171
We design and install, as well as provide managed internet & WiFi service for RV parks nationwide.
www bluereefnet com
CASSELLS CONSULTING LLC
Colin Cassells
866-884-2294
Experience unrivaled outdoor Wi-Fi with a Texas-based provider. Founded by a former NASA engineer, connecting customers for over 25 years.
www .cassellsconsulting com
CHECKBOX SYSTEMS
909-608-7740
Distributor of supplies for campground general stores: RV/ electric, camping, general merch., swim & toys, candy.
www sunlandspecialties com
WILCOR INTERNATIONAL
Susan Corrigan
Camping goods - outdoor wholesale supplier.
www wilcor net
ANUA
Bradley Hennig
WATER TREATMENT
800-346-2345
254-744-2796
American manufacturere of wastewater treatment, dispersal and resuse systems optimized for campground & RV Park applications
Jim Ganley
866 345-9434
For over 22 years CheckBox has been a leading provider of reliable, affordable WiFi solutions.
www checkboxsystems net
SKYWEB NETWORKS
Uttsha Shrestha
855-759-9434
Leading Wi-Fi and Camera service provider in the US, providing secure, reliable, and hassle-free service.
www .skywebwifi com
TENGO INTERNET
Eric Stumberg
512 469-7660
Industry leader in outdoor Wi-Fi and connectivity with over 22 years of experience.
www tengointernet com
TACO to Push for Statewide Building and Safety Standards
by Woodalls Campground Magazine
The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) will push to reintroduce legislation this year that would establish statewide building and safety standards for RV parks and campgrounds in Texas, according to a press release.
During a Nov. 12 legislative webinar for TACO members, association officials noted that they helped craft HB 1286 during the previous legislative session, which would have established NFPA 1194 RV park construction standards as the statewide standard in Texas. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Guillen, passed the House but did not get a hearing in the Senate.
TACO Executive Director and CEO Brian Schaeffer said the association would work with its allies to reintroduce legislation to establish NFPA 1194 as the statewide building standard in Texas. In fact, Sen. Flores has already filed SB 395 for the upcoming 2025 session.
TACO will also continue its ongoing efforts to push for post-Labor Day school start dates and to reduce commercial property taxes in Texas, said Schaeffer, who was accompanied in the legislative webinar by Randall Dally, TACO’s president and legislative liaison; Ron Hinkle, TACO’s longtime legislative consultant; and Michael Moore, TACO’s assistant executive director.
The association will also continue to monitor “squatters’ rights” and the effects of these rights on RV parks in addition to monitoring and killing any proposed legislation or regulations deemed harmful to RV park operator interests.
Despite Republicans’ growing political power in Texas and TACO’s recent successes in winning favorable legislation, Schaeffer noted that TACO has to remain vigilant to ensure that its legislative wins and park operator interests are respected.
He cited TACO’s efforts to reduce RV park water bills as a case in point. HB 1612 and SB 595 were bills introduced for TACO members. These bills eliminate the need to count every connection downstream from the meter as a residential connection, eliminating unfair billing along with the need to keep phantom water reserves for RV parks.
The new laws also establish that one residential connection is equal to eight occupied or unoccupied RV sites, reducing the water reserve requirement by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The laws provide a variance
based on actual usage for the water system operator if water consumption is less than 10% below the equivalency value. This prevents any monthly pre-site/cabin fee from being imposed. TACO worked with the Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA), a previous opponent, to get these bills passed.
Despite the passage of these new laws, cities across Texas continue to try to circumvent any loss in revenue by declaring that RV parks need larger master meters and a much larger monthly billing fee, Schaeffer said. He said TACO has had to send letters to city officials informing them of laws that prohibit such practices.
Despite these continuing threats, Schaeffer said TACO has secured other legislative wins for park operators that help reduce their insurance risks and financial exposures on other fronts.
These wins include legislation that: Reduces Campground Liability: HB 2326 by Rep. Andrew Murr creates a new section, 75b of the Civil Practices and Remedies Code, which exempts campgrounds and RV parks from certain liability for damages or injuries resulting from risks inherent to camping because there are some inherent risks that exist in the natural world that are beyond the park operator’s control. The bill does not protect park operators from negligence on their part. TACO recommends park operators post signage citing 75b and its provisions. Recommended wording for signage is contained in the TACO Legal Handbook.
Killing an RV Occupancy Tax Bill: TACO managed to kill HB 5136, sponsored by Rep. Kyle Kacal and supported by the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, which attempted to tax RV park sites as hotel rooms in Washington County, northwest of Houston. TACO President Randall and 44 park owners submitted testimony against the bill. If the bill had passed it would have set a devastating precedent.
Hinkle said the Texas Legislature convened Jan. 14 to adopt rules and elect a speaker. GOP caucus members convened Dec. 7 to discuss who the house speaker vote. Speaker Dustin Burrows of Lubbock has served House District 83, since 2014 and was elected by his colleagues as the 77th Speaker of the Texas House in January 2025.
DIY STEEL ARCHED CABIN KITS
Welcome New Members
LLC
NEW VENDOR MEMBERS
AGCHIMP LLC
Linda Luker .
Mike or Ruth Mallon
Advertising specialties, branded apparel, gifts and awards.
www .storytellerpromotions .com
TEXAS BOUTIQUE REALTY LLC
Larry Frawley
770-334-9442
A leader in insect repellents and odor control products for use around the campground.
www agchimp .com
ANUA
Bradley Hennig
713-705-4400
713-899-7394
We manange RV parks, and we represent RV parks, both buyers and sellers in the real estate market.
www texasboutiquerealty com
TILLERXR
Lizzy Bustamante .
254-744-2796
American manufacturere of wastewater treatment, dispersal and resuse systems optimized for campground & RV Park applications
www anuainternational .com
CAMPGROUND ACCOUNTING
Donna & Chad Bordeaux
704-752-9845
Specialists in saving taxes & growing campgrounds. Get proactive advice, avoid surprises, and achieve more than you dreamed!
www campgroundaccounting com
ELECTRICAL WORKS
Tristan Ciceri .
352-460-0810
Electrical Works continues to set the standard for RV & Mobile Home Parks having completed over 7,800 RV & MH sire projects at over 50 different properties. Clients include ELS and Sun RV Resorts.
www electricalworksflorida com
MARINESYNC CORP
Austin Bleier 619-269-7000
We provide wireless metering, control, and automation solutions for marinas & RV Parks.
www marinesync .com
STAYLIST
Nic Gramstad
865-205-0210
Staylist is a cloud-based reservation platform that allows outdoor business to create and manage guests, units, and rates.
www pro staylist com
210-237-1812
Revolutionizing outdoor hospitality with TillerXR; Build immersive virtual tours to showcase campgrounds and boost reservations.
www tillerxr com
NEW CAMPGROUND MEMBERS
REGION 2 5H SHOOTING SPORTS 19105 CR 4235, FRANKSTON, TX 75763
BIG TEX CAMPGROUND 13577 STATE HWY 64 BEN WHEELER, TX 75754
DESERT CREEK RV ESTATES 15533 STATE HWY 78 N BLUE RIDGE, TX 75242
LAVON LEISURE 78 RV PARK, LLC 614 FOREST HILL DR MURPHY, TX 75094
REGION 3
COLLEGE STATION COMMUNITY 131 RIDGEWALK COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845 REGION 4
REGION 5
ALLURING OAKS RV PARK 1514 W 12TH STREET ROCKPORT, TX 78382 MEADOWLARK RV PARK 2607 W. SOUTH ST
TX 77511
Why Park Owners Need a FutureFocused Mindset
Mark Koep - founder and CEO of Campground Views Woodall’s Campground Magazine
Time is a paradox. The older you get, the faster it seems to slip away. Recently, I celebrated 23 years with my wife, Katarina. We’ve built a life together, traveled the country, and are blessed with three children. Our youngest is about to turn one. Reflecting on these milestones, I’m struck by how quickly life moves. As park owners, managers and operators, we live in a fast-paced world that wraps around our slowpaced industry where the rhythm of change is relentlessly pounding at the door. The only certainty is that time waits for no one. In this race, a narrow focus on the immediate can cause us to miss the bigger picture, the legacy we leave behind. The truth is, in the midst of our day-to-day operations — handling guest requests, managing staff, maintaining the grounds and keeping up with regulations — it’s easy to get lost in the minutiae. We focus on immediate challenges, trying to keep everything afloat, and while that’s necessary, it can cause us to lose sight of the bigger picture. We risk becoming myopic, missing the broader, more meaningful perspective of why we do what we do and what kind of future we are creating.
The Illusion of Time and the Need for a Long-Term Vision
When you’re younger, time feels endless. Days stretch on, and the future is an abstract concept. But as you age, time compresses. Suddenly, years pass in a blink, and you realize that life isn’t just about getting through today; it’s about building something that endures. I’m reminded of this when I see industry posts regarding the passing of a park owner or industry executive who “I just spoke to…” life is
short and precious.
While the world changes around us and is driving our industry to rapidly evolve, shaped by shifting consumer preferences, economic changes, technological advancements and environmental considerations. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself stuck in a reactive cycle, always responding to the latest challenge without taking the time to understand where you’re heading. What does your park stand for? What is the legacy you want to leave behind? These are critical questions that demand deep reflection and strategic planning (and are not simply limited to the big parks or popular destinations). The danger lies in focusing solely on the present — on the immediate problems that, while important, shouldn’t define your entire operation. A shortterm mindset can keep you afloat for a while, but it won’t help you navigate the larger currents that determine longterm success.
Embracing Change with a Grounded Perspective
Change is inevitable. The market is shifting — Millennials and Gen Z campers are now a growing demographic, bringing new expectations and preferences. They crave experiences that are unique, personalized and socially responsible. Their values and expectations are vastly different along with the ways they interact with one another and your property. As the next generation of RVers emerges, park owners and operators must adapt or risk becoming obsolete.
At the same time, adapting doesn’t mean abandoning
what makes your park unique. It’s about staying grounded in your values and vision while remaining open to change. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive — anticipating future trends and positioning your park accordingly. For example, investing in highly advanced systems and practices, focusing on digital marketing, or offering unique experiences can set your park apart.
Operating with a future-focused mindset means embracing innovation while staying rooted in the principles that define your business. It’s about recognizing that the world will continue to change, whether you like it or not, and preparing your park to thrive in that changing environment.
Building a Legacy: What Will Your Park Be Known For?
Think about the legacy you want your park to create. Is it a place where families make memories that last a lifetime? Is it a place where someone lives full-time or a vacation, seasonal spot where families come on weekends? Does it offer unparalleled guest experiences that foster repeat visitors and word-of-mouth recommendations? Does it provide a safe and inviting environment? Does it look nice and have solid maintenance?
Building a legacy is not just about branding or marketing — it’s about creating a park that reflects your values, your vision and your understanding of where the industry is heading. It’s about understanding that every decision you make today, from the services you offer to the technology you invest in, will shape the future of your park.
A legacy-focused mindset involves strategic investments in the future. Consider how you can position your park to not just survive but thrive in the coming years. It might mean investing in staff education or upgrading amenities to cater to remote workers who prefer to blend work and leisure. It could also mean building partnerships with local businesses to create unique experiences that set your park apart.
Avoiding the Burnout: Balancing Day-to-Day Operations with Future Planning
Balancing immediate demands with future planning is a challenge every business owner faces. The constant demands of managing a park can lead to burnout. However, you can’t afford to ignore the future just because you’re overwhelmed by the present.
One strategy is to dedicate time each week to focus on long-term goals. This could be an hour set aside for strategic planning, attending webinars on industry trends or brainstorming new ideas with your team. It’s about making future planning a priority, not an afterthought.
Usually, the single biggest impediment to future planning is YOU and your time. That is where engaging with your team in these discussions can pay dividends. Your employees are on the front lines — they see firsthand what guests enjoy, what they dislike, and where there is room for improvement. Encourage them to think about the future and to share their insights and ideas. By fostering a culture that values futurefocused thinking, you’re setting the stage for long-term success.
The Importance of Staying Tactical in a Fast-Moving World
Our industry is unique in that most operations do not
chase the shiny new thing. In fact, most operators pride themselves on not being forward-thinking and not being proactive (sorry it is the truth). It is easy to see if you fall into this mindset if you have thought “Why do I need these? We are doing fine”. As markets change, like they are now, the operators who have the future focus and are able to adapt and implement are the ones who are winning. The key is to stay grounded in your mission and values while being agile enough to adapt to meaningful changes.
At the same time, not all trends are worth following. For instance, while it might be tempting to cut costs by reducing staff, consider how that might impact the guest experience. In contrast, investing in technology or systems with excellent ROI and almost immediate payback can be prudent. My favorite example is technology from companies that allow your meters to be automatically read and applied to your customer bills. It shocks me that every single park has not invested in this tech for all their meters. Why are you not billing precise electricity usage for all of your guests including overnight stays?
In a recent conversation on the Facebook Group park owners shared their monthly electric bills and many were in the $20-$30k range with the lower end in the $8-9k range. If that was a complete pass-through cost (to the guests) parks could add hundreds of thousands of dollars to their bottom-line revenue every year! As a bonus, your guests would automaticity become more environmentally conscious and use less energy… win-win. It’s about being discerning— understanding which changes align with your long-term vision and which ones are mere distractions. As the world changes, your commitment to your core values should remain steady. That’s how you build a park that is not only successful today but remains relevant and thriving for years to come.
Building for the Future, Today
The pace of life and business can feel overwhelming. In my own life, I see both the joys and challenges that have shaped my world and career. I see the rapid passing of time and the importance of being grounded in my purpose. The same is true for the RV park industry and should be for you too. The days will continue to fly by, the industry will continue to change, and new challenges will always arise. How you plan, adapt and perform will determine whether you are making a buck or leaving a legacy. But by grounding your park in a future-focused mindset, operating with intention, and keeping your eyes on the bigger picture, you can build a legacy that lasts. Because in the end, it’s not just about surviving another season — it’s about creating a place that will be cherished by generations to come.
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& GLAMPING SOFTWARE
“Just when you think things can’t get any better, ResNexus rolls out a new feature that blows your mind! I recommend them to everyone who is looking for a new campground reservation system to operate their business as everything is included in one great platform.”
—Billie McNamara, Loon’s Haven Family Campground
5 Practical Tips from a Campground Operator for Challenging Times
by Tessa McCrackin Nortgate Holdings
The camping industry in Texas has certainly seen its ups and downs over the past few years. From the surge during COVID to an influx of new campgrounds opening across the state, it’s been unpredictable to say the least. With heightened competition and a gradual decline in camping interest as consumers once again have a wide range of vacation options, campground owners (like us!) are facing new challenges every day. Despite these difficulties, we are lucky to be in a highly adaptable industry where there are many ways to innovate and improve. To help your campground remain a top choice and thrive in challenging times, here are a few practical steps that we have employed at Northgate Resorts.
1. Control Labor Costs
When the business begins underperforming year over year, it’s crucial to adapt your labor strategies accordingly. To that end, we’ve developed automated systems along with refined processes and procedures that emphasize managing controllable labor on a daily basis, particularly in departments where staffing needs are directly linked to occupancy, such as housekeeping and park services. Additionally, we continuously evaluate our fixed labor by reviewing operating hours to ensure we are running as efficiently as possible and still providing guests with a great experience.
2. Adapt Your Marketing Strategy
The marketing tactics that worked in the past won’t necessarily resonate today. For example, we’ve increased video content for our properties to boost organic social media engagement, as static images alone no longer drive results. Prioritizing engaging, videofocused content is essential to staying competitive and working with evolving algorithms, even if it takes more effort. The takeaway: even tried-and-true strategies need adjustments to remain effective.
3. Build Partnerships and Community Involvement
At Northgate, we try to explore a variety of partnerships that can benefit both parties. These partnerships can serve different objectives, such as generating revenue, increasing awareness, or enhancing the guest experience. While revenue-sharing agreements
are a great option, other collaborations—like offering packages with local attractions—can be just as impactful, helping both businesses reach new audiences. These partnerships not only improve your guests’ experiences but also strengthen your campground’s reputation as a valued part of the community. When pitching ideas, ensure they’re mutually beneficial.
4. Invest in Exciting Attractions and Amenities
This doesn’t need to be something flashy like a water park or new cabins. Smaller, affordable updates can make a big difference, too. For example, when we added a yard game area to one of our parks, we were able to create buzz by posting progress updates on social media and sending out a media release. Guests loved seeing the investment in something new and fun, and it gave us a fresh angle to market the property. Simple additions like a new playground, a refreshed game room, or upgraded yard game areas show your commitment to improving the guest experience and can excite both new and returning campers. And don’t forget to promote your investments!
5. Optimize Site Offerings with Cost Leaders
Analyze your site mix to uncover opportunities for differentiation and create compelling value options. By offering discounted rates on less-popular site types, you can boost perceived value and drive demand, without resorting to across-the-board price cuts. This targeted strategy enables you to balance supply and demand effectively while preserving your campground’s overall value perception.
By focusing on these five areas, you can stay nimble with your operations and position your campground for continued success. At Northgate Resorts, we’ve seen these strategies deliver real results, and we hope they provide valuable insights for strengthening your business.
Northgate Resorts owns and manages campgrounds across the country. For more information, visit NorthgateResorts.com.
TACO Releases its ‘25 ‘RV Travel & Camping Guide’ to Texas
The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) has released its 2025 RV Travel & Camping Guide to Texas, which is available in printed and digital formats through TexasCampgrounds.com.
This year’s theme for the guide is “You’re Always at Home in Texas.”
“The guide is a great resource for people taking shorter trips, for Texans moving around Texas, and for people moving to Texas,” said Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s executive director and CEO.
In addition to providing descriptions of campgrounds, RV parks and glamping resorts, the guide includes sections highlighting private parks in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
“We designed the guide as a travel planning resource that not only includes detailed descriptions of great places to camp, but information on nearby attractions,” Schaeffer said.
The guide contains information on chambers of commerce and convention and visitors’ bureaus that can provide additional information to camping and RV enthusiasts on local attractions, festivals and other annual events.
While the annual directory is available in digital format, TACO’s print distribution includes 250,000 users of the 2025 RV Travel & Camping Guide to Texas. Distribution includes RV shows across Texas, like the Houston RV Show, Feb. 12-16, the largest RV show in Texas, and the Austin RV Expo, Feb. 13-16.
Anderson’s Brochure Distribution Service will also distribute the guide at 25 other RV shows across the U.S. and Canada.
“Our biggest sources of distribution are the Texas Information Centers, the Points of Entry into Texas,” Schaeffer said, adding that TACO-member parks are also passing out the guides along with chambers of commerce and convention & visitors’ bureaus, which remain in high demand in print format.
“People like to hang on to our printed directories and use them again and again to plan their trips because they’re packed with ideas on fun things to see and do in every region of Texas,” Schaeffer said.
Designed by Texas Advertising, the 2025 RV Travel & Camping Guide to Texas features display ads from RV resort chains, such as Quality RV Resorts as well as campground and RV resort networks with parks across the country, such as Encore and Thousand Trails, Great Escapes RV Resorts, Jellystone Park CampResorts, Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) and Wilder RV Resorts.
The guide is supported by advertising from prominent campgrounds, RV resorts and RV dealers in Texas, such as PPL Motorhomes, the largest RV consignment dealer in the country, and Platinum Cottages, a prominent park model RV manufacturer whose units are widely used as rental accommodations in Texas campgrounds and RV resorts.
RV and camping enthusiasts can order the free 2025 RV Travel & Camping Guide by visiting TexasCampgrounds.com. The guide is also posted on the website in a digital page-turning format.
Based in Crowley, the Texas Association of Campground Owners is the 53-year-old trade association that represents 400+ campgrounds, RV parks and resorts across the Lone Star State. For more information or to book your next trip, please visit TexasCampgrounds. com or TexasGlampingResorts.com.
TACO Guides
being distributed from Crowley, Texas.
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